Bruce Cassidy Being “Coy” Regarding Game 1 Starting Goaltender

Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy has not named a starting goaltender for the playoffs with two games remaining. On Wednesday, in a press conference, Cassidy stated that the team had not decided whether Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman would start in goal for Game 1 of the first round. Cassidy went on to say that part of that was to be a little more “coy” and that Ullmark had been slightly ahead of Swayman lately.

Ullmark is 8-1-0 in his last nine starts, not including the April 14th game against Ottawa when the goalie left the game after one period due to injury. The former Buffalo Sabre has allowed just 16 goals in that span and has taken over the number one spot from Swayman, who has battled some inconsistency lately. Cassidy did say that Ullmark will play against his old team on Thursday night and that Swayman would take the regular-season finale Friday night in Toronto.

From there, the choice should be Ullmark, who has slightly more NHL experience and has been playing excellent in goal for Boston. The Bruins’ potential first-round opponent could be the Carolina Hurricanes. One thing to look for in that matchup is that Ullmark is 0-2-0 against Carolina and has 57 saves on 65 shots. Since retired, Tuukka Rask played the other game against the Hurricanes and allowed five goals in a 7-1 loss.

Bruce Cassidy will make the decision on a netminder after Friday’s finale, and barring any setbacks, expect to see Linus Ullmark in net for Boston and Jeremy Swayman waiting for the “goalie hug” after the game.

Season 4. Episode 16. Gutsy Loss – Bruins Benders Podcast

Joe Sacco applauds a “gutsy” loss. Charlie Coyle says there are bigger issues than lack of scoring. The Panthers await on Saturday and Kristie Delisi from Inside the Rink joins us and Bruins fans make a statement plus much more!DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook! Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. Must be 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirementsEligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.